Mechanical Engineering

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Chair: Alan R. Parkinson
Graduate Coordinator: Craig C. Smith
242-M CB
Provo, UT 84602-4102
(801) 378-2625

THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES

Mechanical engineering is a profession that provides broad service to society, whether in the development of new automobiles or in space exploration. All over the world the demand for technical knowledge and well- engineered products and services increases at phenomenal rates.

Postbaccalaureate education in engineering increases the engineering student's possibilities of becoming an integral part of this flourishing world of increasing engineering and technology needs. Among significant new experiences awaiting those who choose to return for advanced study is a closer and more personal relationship with the faculty. Research projects usually involve one-on-one collaboration with faculty members. Many graduate courses are synthesis classes, where the student has the opportunity to consolidate previous knowledge and bring together interdisciplinary aspects of design and research. Technical confidence and subject mastery can be greatly increased.

The Mechanical Engineering Department's goal is to provide the best advanced education possible for design, creative research, and synthesis, enhanced by the spiritual atmosphere of the LDS Church-based culture.

Two degrees are offered through the Department of Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical Engineering—MS and Mechanical Engineering—PhD.

The department also offers an integrated master's program, usually beginning in the junior year.

Some twenty to thirty new graduate students are admitted each year. Program duration depends on the degree sought and how much a student works. Nominal durations are 1.5 years for an MS degree and four years beyond a BS for a PhD.

Mechanical Engineering—MS

The MS degree can be directed toward research into new engineering knowledge or practice as well as advanced methods of engineering design.

Admission and Entry.

• Semesters of entry and application deadlines: fall, spring, summer, February 15 (U.S. and international); winter, September 15 (U.S. and international).
• Entrance examinations: international applicants must submit GRE general test and engineering subject test as well as TOEFL scores. U.S. applicants must prove to the department that they have passed the state fundamentals of engineering (FE, formerly EIT) examination, which the state of Utah (or any other state) offers each April and October.
• Prerequisite: BS degree in mechanical engineering or an allied discipline with approval; 3.0 GPA or above in last 60 hours for regular admission.

Requirements for Degree.

• Credit hours (34-40):

Thesis Option: minimum 33 hours including 9 thesis hours (MeEn 699R)  and 6 hours of advanced mathematics or equivalent.

Nonthesis Option: minimum 39 course work hours including 6 hours of advanced mathematics or equivalent. A maximum 3 hours of project work, such as 695R, may be included in the 39-hour total.

• Study list: each student must submit a study list of approved courses during the first semester.
• Prospectus: each student on the thesis option must submit a prospectus before beginning significant work on the thesis, preferably during the first semester.
• Annual review: after the first year students must have a brief annual progress review with their committee.
• Residency requirements: residency is required for the major part of the work toward the master of science thesis. This work must be completed under the specific direction of a graduate faculty member while the student is in residence at BYU (at least two consecutive full-time semesters). “In residence” is defined as (1) being registered for credit as a graduate student and (2) living and conducting research in the general vicinity of the university, where the student has ready access to research facilities and consultation with the faculty. Further, all work applying toward any master's project or thesis must be completely open for university review and publication. Any exceptions to the above must be supported by written approval from the department and college and obtained in advance of any work being performed.
• Examinations: FE examination or GRE (if not taken at time of admission); oral defense of thesis for thesis option candidates.
• Time requirement: one calendar year minimum.
• 3.0 minimum GPA in graduate study.

Engineering Management—Minor

Offered to MS students in the College of Engineering and Technology, the engineering management minor  provides a way to include some elements of modern management in a technical graduate program.

Requirements.

• The minor requires 9 hours selected from the following courses: Mgt 501, 511, 541, 561, 562, 565, 580.
• Students should carefully plan how they will meet the requirements of the minor since these courses are taught only once a year.

This minor should be declared as part of a student's graduate study list. Admittance approval to enroll in class will be derived from approved graduate study lists.

Mechanical Engineering—PhD

Study at the PhD level intensifies as faculty relationships become more professional and intense, often resulting in close friendships. Course work can be even more stimulating as it becomes apparent that material is not necessarily laid out neatly. Sometimes questions are raised without formal answers. This often leads to individualized research that raises technical maturity.

The PhD program is directed toward the creation of new knowledge. Each dissertation is expected to be a defense of new engineering practice, design, or knowledge and is expected to result in peer-reviewed archival publications. It is in this program that the excitement of new knowledge frontiers are examined and placed before the world.

Admission and Entry.

• Semesters of entry and application deadlines: fall, spring, summer, February 15 (U.S. and international); winter, September 15 (U.S. and international). U.S. applicants—entry all terms and semesters; international applicants—fall semester entry preferred.
• Entrance examinations: FE (score of 70 percent) or GRE general test and advanced engineering subject test; TOEFL (score of 577 minimum).
• Prerequisite: BS degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of technical and scientific course work. A BS in any other field requires provisional admission. Consult the department for specific details.

Requirements for Degree.

• Credit hours: minimum 68 semester hours, at least 50 of which must be course work beyond the baccalaureate degree, plus 18 hours of dissertation (MeEn 799R).

Candidates Without a Master's Degree: of the 50 hours, a minimum 38 hours must be graduate-level courses. At least 12 hours of the 50 must be advanced mathematics or statistics (a portion of which may be upper-division undergraduate level with specific departmental approval) and a minimum 18 hours of dissertation (MeEn 799R).

Candidates with a Master's Degree: with committee approval, up to 20 hours of previous graduate work, including 4 hours of thesis, may apply toward the doctorate. In addition, other courses taken in the master's program may apply toward the required 12 hours of advanced mathematics or statistics.

• Foreign language and skill requirement: students wishing to use language or a combination of language and skill subjects to meet this requirement should confer with the department. Students taking the skill option must complete at least 18 hours of integrated study in mathematics beyond college trigonometry (Math 111 at BYU) or statistics. The 12 hours of advanced mathematics or statistics required for candidates without a master's degree is in addition to this skill requirement, which is normally fulfilled in undergraduate programs.
• Study list: the graduate study list must be submitted during the first semester of doctoral study.
• Residency requirements: see residency requirements listed in preceding Mechanical Engineering—MS section.
• Comprehensive qualifying examination: written and oral examination given in March and September each year. The examination must be taken in the first year of the PhD program (usually after an MS degree) and can be retaken only once at the next offering. Students must apply in writing, one month in advance, to take the examination.
• Prospectus: submit and successfully defend a written prospectus on the proposed dissertation research topic at least one year before completion of the degree.
• Dissertation.
• Oral defense of dissertation.

Integrated Master's Program—BS/MS

Students who desire to obtain a master's degree in engineering, and who have been accepted to a department professional program, may elect to enter the integrated master's program at the end of the sophomore year or during the junior year of the engineering curriculum. The purpose of the program is to afford greater flexibility in scheduling course work than is normally available through a traditional BS degree followed by an MS degree program.

In this program the BS degree may be received before or simultaneously with the MS degree (normally five years from freshman matriculation). Specific requirements are the same as those listed for the mechanical engineering MS but include the following:

Admission and Entry.

• Application deadlines: formal application for admission to the program must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies at beginning of the junior year. Admission to graduate school must occur before taking the final 30 hours of course work. Application to graduate school must meet usual university graduate application deadlines.
• Application requirements: cumulative 3.0 GPA for previous 60 hours of course work.

Requirements for Degree.

• Cumulative 3.0 GPA or above in all courses to be counted toward master's degree.
• Study list: for both BS and MS programs must be filed at beginning of junior year.

Interdisciplinary Product Development—MS/MBA

In conjunction with the Marriott School of Management and the Department of Manufacturing Engineering, the Mechanical Engineering Department offers a two-year program in interdisciplinary product development (IPD) leading to the awarding of both a master of science in mechanical engineering and a master of business administration. The degrees are separately approved and granted by each department.

The IPD program was created to address the need for engineers, designers, and business managers to excel in world-class product development. It includes a course sequence, projects, industrial interaction, and research in interdisciplinary methods. A central focus of the program will be a large-scale product development project sponsored by an industrial partner and coached by an interdisciplinary faculty team. The industrial partner provides fellowship funds.

Participation in the program requires independent admission to both the MBA and the mechanical engineering MS programs. Mention should be made in the statements of intent for each program that the applicant will pursue the IPD emphasis.

Upon admission to both departments, the student is required to submit to the IPD program a separate brief application, available from the Mechanical Engineering Department. The application requires a portfolio of design experience and capability.

Admission to the IPD program is available fall semester only.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The department offers research and teaching assistantships for graduate students. Graduate internships and tuition awards are also available for qualified students, but normally through a major professor. Select tuition scholarships are provided from industrial firms, as well.

Application for all awards may be obtained from the department and should be returned by March 15 for consideration for the following fall semester. Write to the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The College of Engineering and Technology, of which the Department of Mechanical Engineering is a part, has experienced rapid growth in funded research during the past decade. In recent years the college research budget has continued to grow steadily, with the budget for the 1995-96 fiscal year exceeding $9 million.

Faculty research areas include: combustion; computer-aided design; controls; design methods; dynamic systems; fluid mechanics; heat transfer; internal combustion engines; machining; manufacturing systems; mechanisms; metallurgy; optimization; robotics.

For a more detailed description of the graduate program requirements, send for a copy of the department's bulletin.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Class Schedule

500. (MeEn-CEEn) Design and Materials Applications. (3)

Prerequisite: CEEn 203; MeEn 372 or CEEn 321.

Applied and residual stress; materials selection; static, impact, and fatigue strength; fatigue damage; surface treatments; elastic deflection and stability—all as applied to mechanical design.

501. (MeEn-CEEn) Stress Analysis and Design of Mechanical Structures. (3)

Prerequisite: CEEn 321 or MeEn 372.

Stress analysis and deflection of structures; general bending and torsion with computer applications to mechanical and aerospace structure design.

502. (MeEn-CEEn) Composite and Smart Structures. (3)

Prerequisite: Math 313; CEEn 321, MeEn 372, or equivalent.

Analysis of advanced composite structures; classical and energy approaches; design considerations; introduction to smart-structures concepts.

503. (MeEn-CEEn) Theory of Elasticity. (3)

Prerequisite: CEEn 203, Math 321.

Tensor notation, stress and deformation tensors, constitutive equations, field equations; plane-stress/ plane-strain, plate, axisymmetric, thermoelasticity, and large deformation problems.

506. (MeEn-CEEn) Continuum Mechanics and Finite Element Analysis. (3)

Prerequisite: Math 313; CEEn 321, MeEn 372, or equivalent.

Equilibrium and constitutive equations; closed-form elasticity solutions; beam and plate theory; finite element methodology; membrance, axisymmetric, beam, plate, shell, and solid elements. Application to heat transfer, flow-through porous media, and other problems.

507. (MeEn-CEEn) Finite Element Programming. (3)

Prerequisite: CEEn 321, MeEn 372, or equivalent.

Developing a general-purpose computer program for analyzing trusses/frames. Developing a general finite element program.

508. (MeEn-CEEn) Dynamics and Stability of Structures. (3)

Prerequisite: Math 313; CEEn 321, MeEn 372, or equivalent.

Dynamic analysis of single degree-of-freedom, discrete multi-degree-of-freedom, and continuous systems. Static and dynamic stability of structures.

510. Compressible Fluid Flow. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 312.

One-dimensional analysis of compressible flow with area change, friction, heat transfer, shock waves, and combined effects, including experimental methods.

512. Intermediate Fluid Dynamics. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 312 or instructor's consent.

Review of fluid properties, Navier-Stokes equations, exact and similarity solutions, introduction to potential flows, stream functions, lift and drag, boundary layers, vorticity, and turbulence.

515. Applied Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 312.

Modern applied aerodynamics, including performance, stability, and control of aerospace vehicles.

521. Intermediate Thermodynamics (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 322 or instructor's consent.

Equations of state, thermodynamic relations, Maxwells equations, equilibrium of single and multiphase mixtures, chemical reactions, and product equilibrium.

522. Combustion. (3)

Prerequisite: Chem 105, MeEn 322, or instructor's consent.

Introduction to first and second law ideal gas combustion systems along with elementary models of homogeneous and heterogeneous premixed and/or diffusion flames.

523. (MeEn-CEEn) Design of Aircraft Structures. (3)

Prerequisite: CEEn 321, MeEn 372, or equivalent.

Requirements, objectives, loads, materials, and tools for design of airframe structures; static behavior of thin-wall structures; durability and damage tolerance; certification and testing. Airframe component team design project.

531. Design of Control Systems. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 435.

Classical frequency response and time domain design of control systems. State variable control and computer simulation of control systems.

532. (MeEn-ECEn 511) Introduction to Linear Systems Theory. (3)

Prerequisite: ECEn 411, MeEn 435, instructor's consent.

Finite-dimensional linear systems. State variable realizations, canonical forms, controllability, observability, minimality. Time and frequency domain design of controllers and observers.

533. Digital Control Systems. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 531.

Design of digital controllers for mechanical systems, analysis using the z-transform, digital filter implementation, application of transform-based classical design methods, and modern state-space techniques.

534. Dynamics of Mechanical Systems. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 435 or equivalent.

Hamiltonian and Lagrangian dynamics, generalized coordinates, linear and angular momentum, Euler angles, rigid-body motions, and gyroscopic effects. Theory taught with applications integrated.

535. Mechanical Vibrations. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 435 or equivalent.

Introduction to energy methods for system modeling, eigenvalues and mode shapes, frequency response, and spectral characterization of vibrations.

537. (MeEn-MFET) Advanced Mechanisms, Robotics. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 337 or equivalent.

Kinematics and dynamics of advanced mechanisms, such as robots, with computer simulation of mechanism motion.

538. Compliant Mechanisms. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 372, 377; or instructor's consent.

Design and analysis of compliant mechanisms and compliant structures. Large-deflection analysis/force displacement relationships; mechanisms synthesis.

540. Intermediate Heat and Mass Transfer. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 440 or equivalent.

Analytical approaches to conduction, convection, and radiation heat transfer. Introduction to mass transfer.

541. Numerical Heat Transfer. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 440 or instructor's consent.

Heat transfer analysis by numerical methods. Finite difference and finite element methods, stability, and error analysis.

552. Intermediate Materials. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 250, 372, or equivalent.

Mechanical behavior of engineering materials including metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites.

553. (MeEn-MFET) Mechanical Behavior of Polymers. (3)

Prerequisite: CEEn 203, MFE 355, or instructor's consent.

Generalized elasticity relations, viscoelasticity, yielding and fracture, crazing, rubber elasticity, anisotropic behavior, processing effects on optical and other properties.

556. Composite Material Design. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 250.

Macro- and micromechanical analysis and design of uni- and multidirectional composite materials.

557. Corrosion. (3)

Prerequisite: Chem 105 or equivalent.

Basic principles, eight common forms of corrosion, testing, materials, applications, modern theory, and high-temperature metal-gas reactions.

558. Metallurgy. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 250 or instructor's consent.

Fundamental principles of physical metallurgy and their application to design.

564. Digital Instrumentation and Mechatronic Systems. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 363 or equivalent.

Design and analysis of instrumentation systems, fundamental sensor characteristics, and computer data acquisition; time and frequency domain modeling with analog and digital components.

570. (MeEn-CEEn) Computer-Aided Engineering Software Development. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 273 or C programming.

Programming methods for the development of engineering software. Data structures, architecture, libraries, and graphical user interfaces, with applications to CAD systems.

572. (MeEn-CEEn) Computer-Aided Geometric Design. (3)

Prerequisite: FORTRAN, C, or similar computer language background.

Mathematical theory of free-form curves and surfaces and solid geometric modeling. Bezier and B-spline curve and surface theory, parametric and implicit forms, intersection algorithms, topics in computer algebra, free-form deformation. Several programming projects required.

575. (MeEn-CEEn) Optimization Techniques in Engineering. (3)

Prerequisite: Math 313 and FORTRAN, C, or similar computer language background.

Application of computer optimization techniques to constrained engineering design. Theory and use of state-of-the-art computer routines. Robust design methods.

576. Product Design. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 475 or instructor's consent.

Emerging design methodology and design strategies for complex systems, including decomposition methods and sensitivity analysis. Advanced CAD/CAE/CAM technologies applied to design.

577. Design for Manufacture and Assembly. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 372, MFE 232, or equivalent.

Design practice for manufacturing considerations. Surface finish, tolerances, GD&T, and inspection and gaging principles. Application of computer-aided tolerancing and inspection.

578. (MeEn-MFET) CAD/CAM Applications. (3)

Prerequisite: advanced FORTRAN, C, or C++.

Principles and practices involved in parametric surface and solid modeling, associativity, NC tool path generation, etc. Construction of complete CAD models for design, analysis, and manufacture.

581. Internal Combustion Engines. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 322 or equivalent.

Fundamental operating characteristics of internal combustion engines, spark and compression ignition. Thermodynamic cycle analysis, performance and emissions characterization, and dynamometer testing on CFR and production engines.

584. Gas Turbine and Jet Engine Design. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 312, 322, or equivalent.

Design and synthesis of land-based and aircraft gas turbines utilizing fluid flow and thermodynamic fundamentals. Extensive discussion of turbojets, turbofan, and turboprop engines.

595R. Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering. (Arr.)

Prerequisite: departmental consent.

609. (MeEn-CEEn) Spectral Analysis of Dynamic Systems. (3)

Prerequisite: Math 313 or equivalent.

Digital signal processing and analysis applied to computer-aided testing, system identification, and characterization of random processes. Applications include vibration and acoustic testing, seismic recording and analysis, and system identification for control.

611. Turbulence. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 512.

Intoduction to turbulence, flow instability and transition, concept of scale, Reynolds averaging, wall-bounded and free shear flows, closure modes, and measurement techniques.

612. Advanced Fluid Dynamics. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 512.

Advanced numerical and analytical solution methods for problems in fluid dynamics.

642. Radiative Heat Transfer. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 540.

Advanced engineering analysis of radiant heat exchange between surfaces, in enclosures, and in absorbing, emitting, and scattering media.

643. Convective Heat Transfer. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 540.

Advanced engineering analysis of convective heat transfer in internal and external laminar and turbulent flows.

671. Advanced Strategies for Product Development. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 475 or instructor's consent.

Theory of advanced strategies for product development. New concepts developed, tested, and applied to real products.

672. Advanced Product Development Lab. (1-3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 475 or equivalent.

Laboratory experience to support advanced independent product development projects.

673. Advanced Design Tool Development. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 570 and instructor's consent.

Development and implementation of advanced tools and methods for mechanical design.

675. (MeEn-MFET) Advanced Manufacturing Strategies for Product Development. (3)

Prerequisite: MFE 232 or equivalent.

Theoretical and experimental study of manufacturing methods such as machining, forming, casting, welding, etc.

681. Advanced Internal Combustion Engines. (3)

Prerequisite: MeEn 581.

Detailed combustion analysis of compression and spark ignition engines. Modeling concepts from zero to multidimensional. Engine heat transfer and I.C. engine diagnostics.

695R. Special Problems for Master's Students. (1-3)

Prerequisite: department chair's consent.

697R. Research. (6-9)

699R. Master's Thesis. (1-9)

791R. Seminar for Doctoral Students. (1)

795R. Selected Topics in Mechanical Engineering. (1-3)

799R. Doctoral Dissertation. (1-18)

FACULTY 

CHASE, KENNETH W., Professor. PhD, University of California, Berkeley, 1972. Computer-Aided Design for Manufacturing.

COX, JORDAN, Assistant Professor. PhD, Purdue University, 1991. Computer-Aided Engineering.

DAINES, RUSSELL L., Assistant Professor. PhD, Pennsylvania State University, 1995. Computational Fluid Dynamics.

EASTMAN, PAUL F., Associate Professor. PhD, University of Utah, 1965. Ceramics; Polymer and Composite Materials; Aerodynamics.

EVANS, MARK S., Associate Professor. PhD, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1987.  Dynamics; Robotics.

FREE, JOSEPH C., Professor. PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1967. Dynamic Systems; Modeling; Automatic Controls; Design Methods for Complex Systems.

GERMANE, GEOFFREY J., Professor. PhD, Brigham Young University, 1978. Combustion System Design; Internal Combustion Engines; Automotive Engineering; Thermodynamics.

HEATON, HOWARD S., Professor. PhD, Stanford University, 1963. Heat Transfer; Fluid Mechanics.

HOWELL, LARRY L., Assistant Professor. PhD, Purdue University, 1993. Compliant and Rigid Body Mechanisms; Solid Mechanics.

JENSEN, C. GREGORY, Assistant Professor. PhD, Purdue University, 1993. Computer Graphics Software; Database Development; Machining.

MAGLEBY, SPENCER P., Associate Professor. PhD, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1988. Computer-Aided Design, Manufacturing; Intelligent Design Systems.

MCLAIN, TIMOTHY W., Assistant Professor. PhD, Stanford University, 1995. Dynamic Systems; Controls; Robotics.

MCQUAY, MARDSON Q., Associate Professor. PhD, Carnegie-Mellon University, 1987. Combustion.

MORTENSEN, KAY S., Professor. PhD, University of Utah, 1967. Materials; Expert Systems; Design Methods.

PARKINSON, ALAN R., Professor. PhD, University of Illinois, 1982. Optimization; Computer-Aided Engineering; Robust Design Methods.

RAISOR, E. MAX, Professor. MS, Brigham Young University, 1975. Interactive Computer Graphics.

RED, W. EDWARD, Professor. PhD, Arizona State University, 1972. Robotics; Automation; Applied Mechanics.

SIMMONS, VAL E., Associate Professor. PhD, Utah State University, 1970. Mechanisms; Machine Design.

SMITH, CRAIG C., Professor. PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1978. Dynamic Systems and Controls; Automation; Auto Safety.

SORENSEN, CARL D., Associate Professor. PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1985. Design for Manufacture; Manufacturing Processes.

TREE, DALE, Assistant Professor. PhD, University of Wisconsin, 1992. Combustion; Internal Combustion Engines.

ULRICH, RICHARD D., Professor. PhD, Purdue University, 1959. Fluids; Thermodynamics.

WEBB, BRENT W, Professor. PhD, Purdue University, 1986. Heat Transfer.

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